Pedersen hit with ban after Big A barn search

Jennifer Pedersen, who trains for Ernie Paragallo's Paraneck Stable, was suspended Friday for 60 days and banned from the grounds after a barn search at Aqueduct by investigators from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the New York Racing Association found "improperly labeled injectibles" in a barn office refrigerator.

"That's all I can say," said Carmine Donofrio, the racing board steward. "It's under appeal."

"I'm going to appeal it," said Pedersen, who was granted a stay pending a hearing.

"These were non-performance-enhancing drugs - the kind of things you use every day on horses," said Paragallo. "We had flu vaccine, B-complex vitamins, penicillin, and a half-used electrolyte jug we had used on a horse that colicked last week.

"These were things a licensed veterinarian kept in our office under lock and key, which only she has access to. We are in violation of nothing."

Through Thursday, Pedersen was the ninth-leading trainer at Aqueduct's winter meet with 14 victories, including three by the 3-year-old filly Amazing Buy, winner of last Sunday's Busher Stakes.